To help you become the queen-bee of your social set...

{HISTORY}

While it may no longer be culturally appropriate to associate the words date and bait together, especially when talking about teenagers, back in the 1950s it was a good-natured and clever way to talk about wooing friends through food. 

Written by Robert H. Loeb in 1952, Date Bait is a cookbook for teenagers looking to expand their friendship group not only romantically but socially too. Robert was no stranger to demographics that were underserved in the cookbook market. His previous book, Wolf In Chef's Clothing was written as an introductory cookbook for men new to the marvels of home cooking.

In his jovial, fun-loving voice accompanied with whimsical illustrations by American artist Jim Newhall (1937-2020), Robert Loeb's Date Bait walks young readers through the basics of cooking (equipment, measurements, ingredients, kitchen cleanup, etc) and shares recipes meant for sharing. Highlighting typical group activity situations and featuring a wealth of easy to achieve recipes, Robert guides aspiring cooks through the fun of making tasty treats for snack times, club meetings, get togethers, parties, and after-school hangouts.

Refreshing for parents who want a break from endless meal-making brought on by hearty teenage appetites and equally engaging for kids who don't want to muddle through a traditionally laid out cookbook, Date Bait shares culinary wisdom and recipes mostly via illustration. Ingredients and cooking directions are drawn instead of traditionally described and all recipes are designed for quick and easy preparation.

Intertesting recipes inclue Cheemato Souffle, Sham-pain Salad, All's Well That Blends Well Sandwich, Choco-lossal Drink, Cock-a-Doodle Casserole, The Fractioned Banana, Queen-Bee Cake, Flap Jacques, Parcheesie Snack, Foul Play Southern-Style, Heavenly Goo, Halo Cake, and Corn Puffe.

From a pop-culture perspective, Date Bait is also interesting in that it touts ultimate respect for moms and caring for the kitchens they use on a daily basis. It showcases what types of food were of interest to the mid-century teenager and for what occasion, and it highlights social etiquette in regards to hospitality. Last but not least, it spotlights the wonderfully whimsical illustrations of James Newhall, each of which lends a lively, light, and festive atmosphere to the whole presentation. 

Now a very hard to find book with its original dust jacket still intact, this vintage book is a time capsule of pop culture life of the mid-20th century teenager as well as a functional cookbook. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Published in 1952, unstated First Editon
• 107 pages not including a detailed index
• Illustrated throughout
• Includes original dust jacket
• Hard to find book

{CONDITION}

In lovely vintage condition, this cookbook is clean and bright throughout with no cooking spots, stains or notations. The dust jacket bears some chippy areas along the top edge and has been protected by a clear Mylar cover. The spine is tight and all pages are intact. 

{SIZE}

Measures 10.25" inches (length) x 7.75" inches (width) x.5" inches (thickness) and weighs 1.2lbs.

{DONATION SUPPORTED}

This heirloom gives back! 20% of the proceeds from the sale of this cookbook will be donated to rare.org - an international non-profit committed to protecting, promoting, and preserving global foodways, communities, and the environment through self-sustainability and conservation.